Gillray Caricatures: Current events

Although best known for his political satires, Gillray also produced etchings based on general current events. Some, such as Andrew Robinson Bowes, Esqr. As he appeared in the Court of Kings Bench (D12353) are straightforward illustrations, with little attempt at caricature. In others such as The cow pock - or - the wonderful effects of the new inoculation (D13037) Gillray uses his visual inventiveness to the full, with horns and miniature cows erupting from the recipients of Jenner’s small pox cure.

Edward Jenner ('The cow pock - or - the wonderful effects of the new inoculation!'), by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey, published 12 June 1802, NPG D13037, © National Portrait Gallery, London — Edward Jenner ('The cow pock - or - the wonderful effects of the new inoculation!'), by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey, published 12 June 1802

'Going to London, through "Epping Forest"', by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey, published 3 August 1802

'Evacuation of Malta' (Napoléon Bonaparte; Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth), by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey, published 9 February 1803, NPG D13039, © National Portrait Gallery, London — 'Evacuation of Malta' (Napoléon Bonaparte; Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth), by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey, published 9 February 1803

'Brisk-cathartic', by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey, published 28 January 1804, NPG D13040, © National Portrait Gallery, London — 'Brisk-cathartic', by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey, published 28 January 1804

'Palemon and Lavinia', by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey, published 23 January 1805, NPG D13041, © National Portrait Gallery, London — 'Palemon and Lavinia', by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey, published 23 January 1805

'Ci-devant occupations - or - Madame Talian and the Empress Josephine dancing naked before Barrass in the Winter of 1797 - a fact! -', by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey, published 20 February 1805, NPG D13042, © National Portrait Gallery, London — 'Ci-devant occupations - or - Madame Talian and the Empress Josephine dancing naked before Barrass in the Winter of 1797 - a fact! -', by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey, published 20 February 1805

' - "And would'st thou turn the vile reproach on me?"', by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey, published 2 February 1807

'The fall of Icarus', by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey, published 20 April 1807, NPG D13044, © National Portrait Gallery, London — 'The fall of Icarus', by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey, published 20 April 1807

'The sound of the horn! - or - the danger of riding an old-hunter', by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey, published 1 December 1807, NPG D13045, © National Portrait Gallery, London — 'The sound of the horn! - or - the danger of riding an old-hunter', by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey, published 1 December 1807

Gillray Caricatures